THE GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL WORK SUCCESS: 
Making Foreign Employment a Dream Come True

by Shannon Roxborough (Copyright (c) 1997)


Without a doubt, accepting a work assignment abroad could be one of
the most challenging and potentially rewarding experiences of your
life.  However, keep in mind that a large percentage of foreign assignments
end in disaster.  To get an inside, objective look, we talked with
Brad Hams, an American who moved abroad to become President of MFD
de Mexico and successfully developed the company in Mexico.  Use this
brief guide to make your transition smooth sailing.

1.) Learn Some of the Language.  Especially if you will be working
extensively in Latin America, take the time to learn at least some
of the language before you get entrenched.  "If I had only taken two
to four weeks prior to my assignment to study Spanish, I would have
been more successful and enjoyed my first year a lot more," says Hams.
He attributes his near-fluency now to his wife, and The Spanish Language
Institute, an immersion language school in Cuernavaca.

2.) Learn Some of the History.  The cultural differences between countries
have a great deal of impact on how people relate to foreigners both
socially and in business.  A good deal of frustration can be avoided
if one learns of those differences and the history behind them.  Simply
reading a few books and speaking to some native of the country in
which you will be working will help tremendously.

3.) Learn the Business Culture.  For example, the social aspects of
doing business are far more important in Latin America than in the
Commonwealth countries.  Many Latins are turned off by expats who
want to immediately "get down to business."  After a two hour meal
where business is only discussed during the last ten minutes, the
American may be thinking  "what a waste of time!"  The Latin, on the
other hand, will feel that a great deal was accomplish toward understanding
his counterpart and establishing trust.  To gather information about
the business culture, Hams suggests joining local groups such as the
Chamber of Commerce, and speaking to foreign executives who have worked
in the country for a few years.

4.) Learn What Motivates People.  In Mexico, for example, management
is far more centralized than in the Commonwealth countries.  Due to
this and other cultural factors, many managers become frustrated because
they feel their staff has a lack of initiative.  "The workers in Mexico
are in fact some of the most motivated and delightful people with
whom I have had the privilege of working," says Hams.  "One simply
has to learn the nuances of motivating people in a different culture."

5.) Learn About the Wage Systems.  Especially if you will be managing
people, you must learn something of wage systems and laws.  "They
are very different than in the commonwealth countries," warns Hams.
"and have a great impact on labor costs and productivity.  Because
wages are lower, don't automatically assume that your labor costs
will be dramatically reduced".

6. Learn How to Negotiate.   Take time to speak with some bi-cultural
executives who know the ins and outs of negotiating in the country.
Expats often have a hard time because they may misinterpret messages
they receive and negotiations may be more time consuming than at home.
 
7.) Learn about Money.  The economies in many countries are far more
volatile than that to which many expats are accumstomed.  Hams recalls
a business associate who, when the Mexican currency devalued at the
end of 1994, lost 1.5 million dollars overnight simply because his
accounts receivables were not in order.  "When you are dealing with
products across borders," he says, "even minor fluctuations in currencies
can dramatically impact your business."

8.) Get Connected.  In many places around the world, the adage "it's
not what you know, but who you know" is absolutely true.  Clearly
expertise in your field is important, but having the right connections
will have a great deal of impact on your potential for success around
the world.

9.) Relax.  "Many expats who work abroad either fail or have a miserable
time because they are so uptight," says Hams.  "The culture and people
in many countries are marvelous, but they are different.  If we just
relax and accept that things won't always be the way we are used to,
our potential for success and enjoyment will be enhanced."

10.) Have fun.  Living and/or working in a foreign culture is one
of the most rewarding experiences that life can offer.  Take the time
to get to know the country and people where you are working.  "It's
known people who never associated with anyone other than fellow workers
for years, and left their assignment without taking advantage of the
unique and marvelous life-experience offered them."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shannon Roxborough, is a international
consultant specializing in international employment & expatriation
and offshore banking & tax havens. Previously, he lived and worked
in Asia and has written more than 100 articles for various national
and foreign publications on international employment, business and
financial matters. Currently, assists clients nationwide with 
locating foreign employment (on all six continents) and US-based 
jobs with international responsibility.  He is a Country Contact for 
and an Ex-oficio Board Member of American Citizens Abroad, a Switzerland-based 
non-profit organization serving and protecting the interests of Americans 
living outside the U.S. He also publishes Internationalist Newsletter, a 
quarterly publication covering issues of inteterest to expatriates and 
is the leader of the Seeking Employment Overseas discussion group of
Expat Exchange (www.expatexchange.com).  He may be reached at
(313) 896-4656 or via e-mail at: globaltips@aol.com